South Africa were far too strong for the West Indies as they cruised to a 10-wicket victory, opening their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday.

Sent in to bat first, the West Indies were restricted to 118 for six, a total which could have been considerably lower if not for Stafanie Taylor's resilient, unbeaten knock of 44 from 41 balls.

For South Africa, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a career-best performance, taking 4 for 29, while Marizanne Kapp finished with impressive figures of 2 for 14.

In response, South Africa reached the target comfortably with 13 balls to spare.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with an unbeaten 59 from 55 deliveries, while her opening partner Tazmin Brits contributed 57 off 52 balls. Brits had earlier taken a stunning catch at cover point, adding to her fine all-round display. Together, the pair guided the previous tournament's runners-up to a dominant victory.

Earlier in the day, South Africa’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure, restricting the West Indies from building momentum. The first breakthrough came when Marizanne Kapp had Hayley Matthews caught behind for 10 off 11 deliveries.

Qiana Joseph's painstaking innings came to an end when she was bowled by Mlaba in the fifth over.

The West Indies slipped further to 32 for 3 after Kapp dismissed Deandra Dottin for 13 off 11 balls. From that point, the West Indies struggled to mount a competitive total, failing to challenge the disciplined South African side.